Residents of Anambra State have expressed strong dissatisfaction over the recently announced campaign permit fees by the Anambra State Signage and Advertisement Agency (ANSAA), describing the charges as excessive and burdensome. The residents particularly faulted the N50 million fee imposed on presidential candidates, arguing that such high costs could discourage political participation and place undue financial pressure on candidates and political parties ahead of the 2027 general elections.
The concerns follow ANSAA’s official announcement outlining mandatory permit requirements for all political campaign activities involving outdoor advertising and public promotions. While the agency maintained that the fees are necessary for regulating campaign materials and maintaining environmental standards, many residents believe the policy disproportionately favors wealthy candidates and undermines the principles of fairness and equal opportunity in a democratic process.
Some stakeholders have therefore called on the state government and relevant authorities to urgently review the fee structure to make it more inclusive and realistic. They emphasized that while regulation is important, it should not come at the expense of political inclusiveness, urging ANSAA to strike a balance between maintaining order and supporting a healthy democratic environment in Anambra State.
